Just realized that cheap fabric dye is why my clothes look faded after 3 washes

I was at a laundromat in Austin last week and overheard a guy talking about how fast fashion brands use a cheap dye process that basically sits on top of the fabric instead of bonding with it. He said it's called something like 'direct dye' and it's why those $8 shirts from online hauls look like they've been through a war after a month. I went home and checked the tags on a few viral haul pieces I bought, and sure enough, they had that weird chemical smell and the color was already patchy. It made me realize that the whole 'viral' thing hides how bad the materials are under those cute lighting and filters. I spent like $40 on a single quality shirt from a local store instead and after 5 washes it still looks new. Has anyone else noticed this with those super cheap bundles?

3 comments

3 Comments

bailey.jennifer3d ago

Fair point but I've had the opposite luck with some cheap stuff honestly. My favorite hoodie was like $12 from some random shop and it's been through the washer a million times with no fading.

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lily_cooper2d ago

A buddy of mine picked up a $10 flannel from some gas station in the middle of nowhere years ago. @bailey.jennifer that thing has survived more camping trips and bonfires than any expensive jacket he's owned since. It's got a permanent campfire smell, but no fading at all.

richarddixon3d ago

Wait, you've put it through "a million" washes and it's fine? You sure about that number?